(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana residents can now legally break into a vehicle to rescue a pet in danger without being held liable for damages.
Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1165 into law Thursday. The measure, titled "various animal-related matters," removes liability when someone removes a domestic animal from a motor vehicle.
Under previous law, people who broke into a vehicle to rescue a cat or dog were responsible for paying half of the repair costs. The new law removes financial responsibility for damages caused while rescuing an animal.
The law also provides immunity from criminal or civil liability for property damage if certain conditions are met.
Those requirements include that a domestic animal must be present in the vehicle and the person must reasonably believe the animal is in imminent danger of bodily harm. The person must also determine the vehicle is locked and that forcible entry is necessary.
In addition, the person must call 911 or contact authorities before entering the vehicle, use only the force necessary to remove the animal, and remain with the animal until authorities arrive.
The law also removes liability for police officers, firefighters, public safety officials, EMS personnel, and veterinarians who break into vehicles while performing their duties.
House Bill 1165 was approved by the Indiana House and Senate late last month.
The law also increases penalties for certain animal-related offenses and clarifies definitions related to animal cruelty laws, including specifying the laws apply to any rodent not considered a nuisance.